This Advent reading takes us deep into the story of Jotham, a young boy whose single act of disobedience has led to devastating consequences. We witness the brutal reality of sin's ripple effect as Nathan and Silas fall victim to the evil Decha of Megiddo—all because Jotham strayed from his family. The weight of guilt crushes the boy's heart as he cries out, 'I killed them.' This raw moment forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: our choices don't just affect us; they touch everyone around us. Throughout Scripture, we see this pattern repeated—Adam and Eve's expulsion, the flood, David's adultery—each story a sobering reminder that sin carries consequences even after forgiveness comes. Yet here's the beautiful paradox of Advent: we're invited to remember these harsh realities precisely because Jesus entered this broken world to redeem it. As Jotham stares at the stars from yet another stranger's home, wondering if anything will ever be the same, we're reminded that God's mercy meets us in our darkest moments. The old priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, holding their miracle baby John, represent hope breaking into impossible situations. This is why we light the candles of hope and peace—not because life is easy, but because Jesus came to bring forgiveness, restoration, and the strength to face the consequences of our actions with grace.